Reinforced German Borders Stir EU Debate: Merz Insists on EU Compliance
Border lacks unified point of access for travelers and goods.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz maintains that Germany's fortified border controls don't represent a solo action, but rather a measure in line with European law. He made these remarks during a visit to Brussels, where he was greeted by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Merz highlighted the new, more intensive border controls and the ongoing practice of turning away people who do not pass through these checks. He emphasized that these measures comply with European law and that Germany's neighbors have been kept informed of the situation.
Von der Leyen, however, called for coordinated action with neighboring countries and Brussels. In contrast, Merz doesn't view these actions as a German endeavor alone.
Merz Advocates for EU Directive Rollback
During his visit, Merz also demanded a significant course correction from the EU Commission. After a meeting with EU Council President Antonio Costa and Commission President von der Leyen, he called for the abolition of the EU's supply chain directive. Merz expressed confidence that the European Union would follow suit and actually repeal this directive.
This call for a rollback is just one example of Merz's desire for a more significant intervention across a range of EU legislation. Merz's government plans to propose its own initiatives to exceed the existing EU reform proposals, with the full repeal of some EU directives being one such example.
In response, von der Leyen cautioned against the so-called "gold-plating" in member states, referring to the addition of excessive national bureaucracy requirements to EU provisions.
Merz and von der Leyen both underscored the importance of completing the capital market union in the EU and advocated for more free trade agreements.
Stakes are high as Germany and the EU navigate the delicate balance between securing their borders and upholding the principles of European integration.
Insights
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is dynamically engaging with the European Union, advocating for more intensive border controls while maintaining a nuanced understanding of the principles of European integration. Merz's stance reflects a balance between the need for security and the importance of open borders, with his demands for EU directive rollbacks indicating a more active role for Germany in EU policy. While the EU Commission supports temporary border controls under exceptional circumstances, a unified approach to trade and defense is essential for both Merz and von der Leyen in addressing contemporary geopolitical challenges.
- The Commission has also been involved in the preparation of the draft directive, possibly considering the implications of strengthened border controls on European politics.
- In the context of the ongoing debate about German borders, it's important to note that Merz insists on EU compliance, meaning that any border controls should align with relevant EU directives.
- During his visit to Brussels, Merz urged for the abolition of a specific EU directive, suggesting a potential reevaluation of existing regulations that could have implications for the borders and politics of the EU.
- Both Merz and von der Leyen emphasized the importance of completing the capital market union and advocating for more free trade agreements, demonstrating their shared commitment to upholding the principles of European integration despite the need for border security.
